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Maldives relaxes quarantine rules for home island returnees
Health authorities in Maldives have allowed people stranded in capital Male to return to their home island and self-isolate at home.
Since the capital was placed on lockdown on April 15, people were allowed to travel out of the city and to their home island only after completing a mandatory 14-day quarantine at a designated facility.
But new rules, issued by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) on Saturday, allow people in Male with no flu-like symptoms to return to their native or resident island and self-isolate at home. The government will make transport arrangements.
Home quarantine will only be allowed if no elderly people or pregnant women were sharing the premises.
During the 24-day home quarantine, no third party can enter the house. The person should stay in a separate room and use a separate toilet. Items such as bedsheets and cutleries used by the quarantined individual cannot be used by anyone else.
The quarantined individual will also have to send daily temperature records to the island’s health centre or focal point.
HPA says anti-body tests will be done at the end of the 24-day quarantine.
On March 8, Maldives reported its first cases of the novel coronavirus, as two hotel employees tested positive for Covid-19 at a luxury resort in the archipelago.
Eighteen more cases — all foreigners working or staying resorts and liveaboard vessels except five Maldivians who had returned from abroad — were later identified.
A six-case cluster of locals, detected in capital Male on April 15, confirmed community transmission of the coronavirus. Several more clusters have since been identified, bringing the total number of confirmed case in the Maldives to 1,901.
Eight deaths have been reported and 763 have made full recoveries. Five remain in intensive care.
The Maldives announced a state of public health emergency on March 12, the first such declaration under a recent public health protection law.
The public health emergency declaration allowed the government to introduce a series of unprecedented restrictive and social distancing measures, including stay-at-home orders in capital Male and its suburbs, a ban on inter-island transport and public gatherings across the country, and a nationwide closing of government offices, schools, colleges and universities.
Non-essential services and public places in the capital such as gyms, cinemas and parks were also shut.
Restaurants and cafes in the capital were asked to stop dine-in service and switch to takeaway and delivery.
A nationwide shutdown of all guesthouses, city hotels and spa facilities located on inhabited islands is also in effect.
The restrictions in the capital region are now being eased in phases, with the first phase lasting at least until mid June. Most restrictions remain in place for the time.
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa proudly hosted the highly anticipated Art Week 2024, a celebration of creativity and community facilitated through a dynamic partnership with Clay Studio Maldives. The month-long studio residency culminated during Art Week, offering a series of inspiring workshops and interactive sessions that brought art to life for both guests and Heartists (Pullman’s talented team members).
The Clay Studio, located in the serene and lush Migili Room, became a tranquil haven for artistic exploration. Surrounded by the island’s tropical greenery, it was the heart of creativity on the island, offering diverse hands-on experiences such as hand-building, wheel-throwing, and ornament painting classes.
Guests and Heartists were immersed in the tactile world of clay, crafting unique pieces and creating memories to cherish for a lifetime. The Clay Studio’s warm and inclusive atmosphere allowed participants of all skill levels to discover the joy of working with clay under the guidance of expert artists from Clay Studio Maldives.
Riaan Drever, the General Manager, reflected on the success of the collaboration, expressing that Art Week 2024 had been an extraordinary experience. He emphasised that the partnership with The Clay Studio Maldives brought a unique blend of creativity, relaxation, and personal expression to Pullman Maldives Maamutaa. He found it heartwarming to see guests and Heartists connect through art, taking home not just souvenirs but meaningful experiences.
Ahmed Muaz, Co-Founder of The Clay Studio Maldives, also shared his delight in the collaboration, stating that it was a pleasure to offer the pottery program during Art Week 2024. He praised the opportunity to work with the Pullman team to enhance the guest experience and expressed joy in sharing the craft of pottery in such a dynamic and inspiring environment.
The event showcased Pullman’s commitment to offering creative and immersive guest experiences, seamlessly blending the artistic journey with the island’s natural beauty. This initiative reflects Pullman’s dedication to art and cultural enrichment, a core element of its global identity and commitment to fostering local creativity and talent.
JA Manafaru has announced that renowned DJ and radio presenter Tom Green will once again host an exciting after-party this year. Recognised for his high-energy performances and exceptional music selection, Green is a well-known voice in the UK, celebrated for his work on the KISS FM Breakfast Show, as well as his roles at Capital FM and The Hits Radio.
Beyond his radio career, Green has co-hosted ‘The Bauer BRITS Show’ and collaborated with global stars, including Katy Perry, whom he interviewed live during her tour. As a sought-after event host, he brings unmatched confidence and charisma, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
Expressing his excitement about returning to the Maldives, Green stated, “It’s an absolute pleasure to be back in the Maldives playing at JA Manafaru. I had such a great time during the last festive season, and it’s exciting to know that we’re only going bigger and better this year. There’s only one place to be when the clock strikes midnight, and that’s on THIS island.”
Guests can anticipate an electrifying evening as Tom Green takes to the decks, delivering an incredible line-up of tracks to keep the celebration alive. The New Year’s After Party will commence at 11 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31, at JA Manafaru.
Sun Siyam Resorts has announced that all spas across its five properties in the Maldives have received accreditation from the Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie (CIDESCO), the global authority in beauty and spa therapy, as of December. This milestone underscores the resort group’s dedication to providing spa services that meet internationally recognised standards of professional care and expertise.
The accredited spas include:
- Veyo Spa by Thalgo at Siyam World
- The Spa by Thalgo at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
- The Spa, Ocean Spa, and Blue Spa at Sun Siyam Olhuveli
- Ocean Spa at Sun Siyam Iru Veli
- The Spa at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef
Established in 1946 in Brussels and currently headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, CIDESCO represents the pinnacle of excellence in aesthetics and spa therapy. Operating in over 40 countries across five continents, this non-profit organisation sets globally recognised benchmarks for beauty and spa qualifications.
The accreditation highlights Sun Siyam Resorts’ commitment to delivering outstanding wellness services in line with CIDESCO’s high standards. It reflects the spas’ dedication to maintaining professionalism, hygiene, and service quality while adhering to industry best practices.
Guests staying at Sun Siyam Resorts can now enjoy spa treatments that align with CIDESCO’s internationally endorsed standards for beauty and wellness.
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